MC 2010 Chapter : Bobs Writing Rules 8 14
Document Summary
Being accurate is the most important rule of journalism. Give attribution for anything you did not see yourself, unless it is an irrefutable, commonly known fact. Put attribution at the end of sentences, and front-load sentences with the important information unless there is a good reason to do otherwise. Don"t say a person believes, thinks, wants, or feels a certain way. Say a person said he believes or said she feels. You can"t accurately report what is going on in a person"s head. While important in all news writing, this is especially important in covering politicians, lobbyists, spokespersons, company officials, attorneys and people accused of or accusing others of wrongdoing. Don"t use loaded words like claimed or pointed out. Don"t say explained unless the speaker is adding explanatory information to something that has already been said. Explained in the most misused verb of attribution by students. Avoid it until you learn its proper, narrow use.
